Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Originating from the law of eating food at Buddhist temples, Barugongyang (발우공양) refers to the act of eating as part of practicing discipline and self-control. Barugongyang in Jong-no is a Buddhist cuisine experience center established by the Cultural Corps of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism with the aim of promoting Buddhist culture as well as the very practice of Barugongyang. The center serves healthy vegetarian traditional dishes, and offers lessons of Barugongyang to take time while eating, to appreciate food using the five senses, and not to waste any food.    


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Leegachon Myeong-dong Branch is a specialty restaurant featuring Galbi (marinated and grilled beef ribs). A combination of the restaurant’s own special sauce, pure bronze gridiron, and oak tree charcoal creates a unique taste beloved by visitors and locals alike. The spicy galbi jjim (braised beef ribs) is another restaurant specialty.                    


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Chenggyecheon StreamUntil it was restored in 2005, Cheonggyecheon Stream existed only as a neglected waterway hidden by an overpass. Today, it has been transformed into a haven of natural beauty amidst the bustle of city life. Narae Bridge, representing a butterfly in flight, and Gwanggyo Bridge, symbolizing the harmony of the past and future, are just two of the more than twenty beautiful bridges that cross the stream. The Rhythmic Wall Stream, lined with fine marble and sculptures, and Palseokdam adorn Cheonggyecheon Stream. Cheonggyecheon Stream passes close to Deoksugung Palace, Seoul Plaza, the Sejong Center, Insa-dong Street, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace, allowing visitors to easily visit major tourist sites after a leisure stroll along the stream. Cheonggye Plaza Cheonggye Plaza roughly covers an area of 2,500 square meters, and is located at the starting point of Cheonggyecheon Stream. The square, created based on the design of traditional Korean bojagi (a colorful wrapping cloth), features the elegant beauty of traditional stonework that is colorful yet refined. The plaza also includes a model of Cheonggyecheon that provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of the formerly restored Cheonggyecheon Stream. At the plaza, there are plaques that provide detailed commentaries on the 22 bridges that span the stream, as well as a number of graceful fountains that add to the ambience of the area. The area commemorates the Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project, and also symbolizes gathering, harmony, peace, and unity. After the completion of Cheonggye Plaza, Seoul Metropolitan Government designated the area as a vehicle-free zone on holidays, providing more leisure space for pedestrians. Since then, the waterfront areas of Cheonggyecheon Stream, and the surrounding streets have become popular places for those seeking refreshment and a variety of cultural experiences. A favorite of many is the Candle Fountain, which features the magnificent synchronicity of three different lighting fixtures and a 4m high, two-tiered waterfall. Along the two sides of the waterfall are the Palseokdam wishing wells, made of 8 different stones from each of the nation's 8 provinces. Cheonggye Plaza never goes to sleep; visitors can enjoy the fantastic display of light and water even at night. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

Also called Mungu (Stationery) Street, Mungu Shopping Center is home to colorful stationery, toys, and wrapping materials. Because of its colorful items, the center has attracted many Japanese tourists and producers interested in stationery and toys. A slew of camera shops on the outskirts of the center offer camera lenses and camera items not readily available elsewhere, attracting both amateur and professional photographers from Korean and abroad.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles. It is the first thing that catches one's attention upon entering the premises. The blue tiles and the smooth roof blend beautifully with Mt. Bugaksan in the backdrop. The unique buildings of Cheong Wa Dae are comprised of the Main Office, Yeongbingwan (Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn Pavilion), Nokjiwon (Green grass), the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Valley, and the Seven Palaces. It is interesting to see that these buildings all have distinctive shapes. They are unique and beautifully designed, built in the Korean traditional style. The blue tiles and the smooth curve shape of the main office roofs are elegantly built. Approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Blue House. Each were baked individually which make them strong enough to be used for hundreds of years. If you turn to the right you will see Chunchugwan. The roof of Chunchugwan was made of earthen tiles. This is where the president's press conferences are held. On the left side of the main office, there is the Yeongbingwan. It was designed to hold large conferences and official events for foreign guests. You can walk along Nokjiwon and the Mugunghwa Valley. At Nokjiwon a succession of presidents planted trees on memorial occasions. There is one famous tree which is 310 years old. The Mugunghwa Valley has colorful flowers, a fountain, and a phoenix statue, which makes it perfect for taking pictures. It is best to visit here between July and October when the Mugunghwa flowers bloom. A walk around the paths just outside the Blue House grounds is a pleasure as the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful. The paths follow Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House and to Samcheong-dong Park. The walk from the East Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House is the most beautiful part. With the road in the middle, there is the Gyeongbokgung Palace stone wall on the left and galleries and old buildings on the right. The stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace is scattered with beautiful old trees that will comfort you. Across the street are Hyundai Gallery, Geumho Gallery and other famous galleries and stylish cafes. Of the many nice cafes and restaurants, there is "The Restaurant." Its interior is modern and one side of the building is a glass wall where you can enjoy viewing the scenery and the stonewall alley while dining. After you pass this area, and before you reach the Blue House, turn to the right and you will reach Samcheong-dong Park. There are also many famous restaurants and galleries in the area.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

“Pro Ganjang Gejang” is a restaurant serving soy sauce marinated crab (ganjang gejang). This restaurant opened in 1980 as the first ganjang gejang restaurant in Korea. Since its opening in Sinsa-dong, it has grown in popularity not only among Koreans, but also among foreign visitors. It opened branches in Samseong-dong in Seoul, Haeundae in Busan, and in Tokyo and Osaka in Japan.  


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu) , Sinchon・Ewha Womans University

The Hyundai Department Store Sinchon Branch stands at the center of the young and vibrant Sinchon area. Several universities are clustered around this area so the products displayed cater to a younger crowd. For added convenience, the Sinchon Subway Station, Line 2 is also directly connected to the department store.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Yearimdang Art Hall (formerly Ungjin Think Big Art Hall), is a children’s theater that was renovated and officially reopened on June 3, 2011.A joint project of Yearimdang publishing company and PMC Production, the art hall is a mid-sized theater with around 440 seats located on the two floors. The first floor consists of VIP sets and S-class seats that allow for more interaction with the actors on stage and access to surprise events during the performances. Seats on the second floor (A-class) offer an affordable, bird’s-eye view of the stage.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Hotel Dynasty in southern Seoul has 58 Western-style and 6 Korean-style guestrooms. The hotel’s location in Nonhyeon-dong offers easy access to the city’s trendy spots such as Gangnam and Apgujeong.


Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Jamwon Hangang Park is located on the southern side of the river stretching from Yeongdong Bridge to Dongho, Hannam and Banpo Bridge. The total length is 5.4 km adjacent to Gangnam-gu and Seocho-gu where the hottest places in Gangnam area such as Apgujeong-dong, Sinsa-dong and Jamwon-dong are located.The riverside area of the park has sports facilities including athletic tracks, soccer field, volleyball court, swimming pool, tennis court and a gym. Plus, there is a perfect bike land along the river side where you may enjoy the beautiful secenery of Hangang River while biking.Moreover, there are natural experience field for silkworms, flowers and butterflies. In the summer, people often visit here to enjoy exciting summer water sports like swimming, windsurfing, motorboat riding and more.